Choosing a business name

So, you've decided what you are going to make, your products are ready to go, and you are ready to move forward with your business. Now you need to choose a business name. Here are some guidelines and tips to help you along:

1) Choose your name wisely: After you establish a client base, if you were to change your business name it may be difficult to get the word out to returning customers or for them to remember your new name. (This especially applies to Internet sellers.)

2) Be creative: New sellers often revert to things that easily come to mind. Princess Creations, Lovely Bows, and similar names. While these might be great names, they may be too similar to existing businesses. Try to think of something that has never been done before.

3) Inspiration: Use your name, your children's names, things that you like, your favorite past times, your pet's name, or an item that details what products you will make as part of your name.

4) Don't use creative spellings: Using a creative spelling of a common word may seem a good idea to help set you apart from other designers, but it will only hurt you in the end. For example, if I name my business "Great Dreamz" and I decide to create a website, it may be hard for future customers to find me since they may search for "Great Dreams."

5) Think about possible logos: As you are choosing a business name, think about items, pictures, and words that could represent you. For example, if I stuck with the business name "Great Dreams" I could use a child laying in bed dreaming about my products. This possibility is cute and catching and I can envision the logo that might accompany it.

6) Consider the customers that will be buying your products. Will your products be targeted to first time moms, parents of older children, or grandparents? Is the business name you choose likely to appeal to your audience?

7) Use an Internet search engine to search for the business name you would like. (Note: It helps to put your business name in quotes, such as "Great Dreams.") This will help you determine if the name you have chosen is already in use by someone else.

8) Ask for feedback: Before committing yourself to a name, ask trusted friends and family about the name you have chosen. Do they have thoughts or images of what your names implies? Do they like the name? Maybe even write the potential name of your business on a piece of paper in large letters and hang it on your refrigerator. After one week, do you still like your business name?

Remember, choosing a name for you business is an important part of your overall image. Take your time and choose wisely!


Copyright, 2007, Boutique Auction House
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